How to Convert VHS-C to Digital Format

Written by quinten plummer| 13/05/2017

Preserve your VHS-C tapes by backing them up with digital versions on your computer. Converting VHS-C tapes into digital files is simple and can be very rewarding--you can make as many copies as you desire, and you can even edit the digital version of your VHS-C tapes with computer video-editing tools. Don't let your videos corrode and lose even more quality. Find out how you can convert your tapes to digital format.

Things you need

VHS-C camcorder

Computer (with video capture card)

3.5mm to RCA A/V cable

RCA to 1/8 inch adaptor

VLC player

Insert your VHS-C tape into your camcorder and cue the tape up to the place you'd like the recording to start. Plug the 3.5mm end of the 3.5mm to RCA cable into the 3.5mm RCA audio/video port on your VHS-C camcorder.

Plug the yellow RCA end of the cable into the yellow RCA video port on your computer's video capture card. Match the red and white ends of the 3.5mm to RCA cable to the red and white ports on the RCA to 1/8 inch adaptor, and then plug the 1/8-inch end of the adaptor into the "Line In" port on your computer's sound card.

Download a copy of VLC Player (see Resources), install it and then open it.

Click on "File," located in VLC Player's top-left corner, and then select "Open Capture Device." Next to "Advanced Options," select "Stream/Save" and then click on the button labelled "Settings."

Check the "File" box, and click "Browse" to choose a location to store your converted VHS-C video. Press "Play" on the camcorder, and then click "OK" back in VLC Player to start recording.